U.S. patent application number 11/183247 was filed with the patent office on 2007-01-18 for interactive gaming among a plurality of players systems and methods.
This patent application is currently assigned to Frenkel Ventures, LLC. Invention is credited to Brian Frenkel.
Application Number | 20070015584 11/183247 |
Document ID | / |
Family ID | 37662275 |
Filed Date | 2007-01-18 |
United States Patent
Application |
20070015584 |
Kind Code |
A1 |
Frenkel; Brian |
January 18, 2007 |
Interactive gaming among a plurality of players systems and
methods
Abstract
A system for interactive gaming among a plurality of players
includes a host computer system and a plurality of player terminals
communicably coupled to the host computer system via a network. The
plurality of player terminals are located at a plurality of
licensed gaming locations. The plurality of player terminals are
configured to engage the plurality of players in a common
interactive game operated by the host computer system. The
plurality of player terminals include means for dispensing player
winnings from the player terminal.
Inventors: |
Frenkel; Brian; (Denver,
CO) |
Correspondence
Address: |
TOWNSEND AND TOWNSEND AND CREW, LLP
TWO EMBARCADERO CENTER
EIGHTH FLOOR
SAN FRANCISCO
CA
94111-3834
US
|
Assignee: |
Frenkel Ventures, LLC
Denver
CO
|
Family ID: |
37662275 |
Appl. No.: |
11/183247 |
Filed: |
July 14, 2005 |
Current U.S.
Class: |
463/42 |
Current CPC
Class: |
G07F 17/3246 20130101;
G07F 17/3227 20130101; G07F 17/3258 20130101; G07F 17/3293
20130101; G07F 17/3218 20130101; G07F 17/3272 20130101; G07F
17/3209 20130101; G07F 17/3248 20130101; G07F 17/3276 20130101;
G07F 17/3255 20130101; G07F 17/3211 20130101; G07F 17/32 20130101;
G07F 17/3251 20130101; G07F 17/3241 20130101 |
Class at
Publication: |
463/042 |
International
Class: |
A63F 9/24 20060101
A63F009/24 |
Claims
1. A system for interactive gaming among a plurality of players,
comprising: a host computer system; and a plurality of player
terminals communicably coupled to the host computer system via a
network; wherein the plurality of player terminals are located at a
plurality of licensed gaming locations; and wherein the plurality
of player terminals are configured to engage the plurality of
players in a common interactive game operated by the host computer
system and wherein the plurality of player terminals comprise means
for dispensing player winnings from the player terminal.
2. The system of claim 1, wherein the interactive game comprises
poker.
3. The system of claim 1, wherein the host computer system is
located at a location different from any of the plurality of player
terminals.
4. The system of claim 1, wherein each player terminal comprises
means for receiving player deposits.
5. The system of claim 4, wherein the means for receiving player
deposits comprises a bill accepter.
6. The system of claim 1, wherein one or more of the plurality of
player terminals includes means for receiving a user input to view
hole cards dealt to the user in the course of the interactive game,
wherein the hole cards are otherwise not viewable at the
terminal.
7. The system of claim 1, wherein the host computer system includes
means for monitoring actions taken by one or more of the plurality
of players to thereby detect collusion among the players.
8. The system of claim 1, wherein the host computer system
comprises means for tracking one or more jackpots payable by an
operator of one of the plurality of licensed gaming locations.
9. The system of claim 8, wherein at least one of the one or more
jackpots comprises a high hand jackpot for making a specific
hand.
10. The system of claim 8, wherein at least one of the plurality of
player terminals comprises means for displaying at least one of the
one or more jackpots payable by an operator of the host computer
system.
11. The system of claim 1, wherein the host computer system
comprises means for tracking one or more jackpots payable by an
operator of the host computer system.
12. The system of claim 11, wherein at least one of the one or more
jackpots comprises a bad beat jackpot for having a hand with a
value at or above a specific value beaten by a hand with a value at
or above a different specific value.
13. The system of claim 11, wherein at least one of the plurality
of player terminals comprises means for displaying at least one of
the one or more jackpots payable by an operator of the host
computer system.
14. The system of claim 1, wherein the host computer system
comprises means for tracking a player's play to thereby reward the
player for player loyalty.
15. The system of claim 1, wherein the player terminals at a given
location are arranged to thereby inhibit collusion among players
using the player terminals at the given location while engaged in a
common game.
16. A system for interactive gaming among a plurality of players,
comprising: a host computer system; and a plurality of player
terminals communicably coupled to the host computer system via a
network; wherein the plurality of player terminals are located at a
plurality of licensed gaming locations; and wherein the plurality
of player terminals are configured to anonymously engage the
plurality of players in a common interactive game operated by the
host computer system.
17. A method of operating an interactive game among a plurality of
players, comprising: initiating a game session at a host computer
system; via a network, joining the plurality of players to the game
session, wherein the players are operating player terminals located
at a plurality of licensed gaming locations and wherein at least
one of the plurality of players is joined to the game without
creating a user account relating to the interactive game;
initiating the game; from the host computer system, sending signals
relating to the state of the game to the player terminals; at a
host computer system, iteratively receiving signals from the player
terminals, wherein the signals indicate player actions in the game;
and at the conclusion of the game, awarding value to a winning
player.
18. The method of claim 17, further comprising dispensing player
winnings to one of the players from the player's player
terminal.
19. The method of claim 17, wherein the interactive game comprises
poker.
20. The method of claim 17, wherein the host computer system is
located at a location different from any of the plurality of player
terminals.
21. The method of claim 17, further comprising receiving a deposit
from a player at one of the player terminals.
22. The method of claim 21, wherein receiving a deposit from a
player at one of the player terminals comprises receiving a deposit
from a player via a bill accepter.
23. The method of claim 17, further comprising, at a player
terminal, receiving a user input to view hole cards dealt to the
user in the course of the interactive game, wherein the hole cards
are otherwise not viewable at the terminal.
24. The method of claim 17, further comprising monitoring actions
taken by one or more of the plurality of players to thereby detect
collusion among the players.
25. The method of claim 17, further comprising tracking one or more
jackpots payable by an operator of one of the plurality of licensed
gaming locations.
26. The method of claim 25, wherein at least one of the one or more
jackpots comprises a high hand jackpot for making a specific
hand.
27. The method of claim 25, further comprising, at a player
terminal, displaying at least one of the one or more jackpots
payable by an operator of the host computer system.
28. The method of claim 17, further comprising tracking one or more
jackpots payable by an operator of the host computer system.
29. The method of claim 28, wherein at least one of the one or more
jackpots comprises a bad beat jackpot for having a hand with a
value at or above a specific value beaten by a hand with a value at
or above a different specific value.
30. The method of claim 28, further comprising, at a player
terminal, displaying at least one of the one or more jackpots
payable by an operator of the host computer system.
31. The method of claim 17, further comprising tracking a player's
play to thereby reward the player for player loyalty.
32. The method of claim 17, further comprising arranging terminals
at a given location to thereby inhibit collusion among players
using the player terminals at the given location while engaged in a
common game.
33. The method of claim 17, further comprising inhibiting collusion
among players using the player terminals at the given location
while engaged in a common game by prohibiting a player from joining
a specific game session at a terminal proximate a player terminal
of another player engaged in the specific game session.
34. A system for interactive gaming among a plurality of players,
comprising: a host computer system; and a plurality of player
terminals communicably coupled to the host computer system via a
network; wherein the plurality of player terminals are located at a
plurality of licensed gaming locations; and wherein the plurality
of player terminals are configured to engage the plurality of
players in a common interactive game operated by the host computer
system and wherein the plurality of player terminals comprise a
dispenser configured to dispense player winnings from the player
terminal.
35. The system of claim 34, wherein the host computer system is
located at a location different from any of the plurality of player
terminals.
36. The system of claim 34, wherein each player terminal comprises
an arrangement configured to receive player deposits.
37. The system of claim 36, wherein the arrangement configured to
receive player deposits comprises a bill accepter.
38. The system of claim 34, wherein one or more of the plurality of
player terminals includes an arrangement configured to receive a
user input to view hole cards dealt to the user in the course of
the interactive game, wherein the hole cards are otherwise not
viewable at the terminal.
39. The system of claim 34, wherein the host computer system
includes a monitoring module configured to monitor actions taken by
one or more of the plurality of players to thereby detect collusion
among the players.
40. The system of claim 34, wherein the host computer system
comprises a first tracking module configured to track one or more
jackpots payable by an operator of one of the plurality of licensed
gaming locations.
41. The system of claim 40, wherein at least one of the one or more
jackpots comprises a high hand jackpot for making a specific
hand.
42. The system of claim 40, wherein at least one of the plurality
of player terminals a first display arrangement configured to
display at least one of the one or more jackpots payable by an
operator of the host computer system.
43. The system of claim 34, wherein the host computer system
comprises a second tracking module configured to track one or more
jackpots payable by an operator of the host computer system.
44. The system of claim 43, wherein at least one of the one or more
jackpots comprises a bad beat jackpot for having a hand with a
value at or above a specific value beaten by a hand with a value at
or above a different specific value.
45. The system of claim 43, wherein at least one of the plurality
of player terminals comprises a second display arrangement
configured to display at least one of the one or more jackpots
payable by an operator of the host computer system.
46. The system of claim 34, wherein the host computer system
comprises a third tracking module configured to track a player's
play to thereby reward the player for player loyalty.
47. The system of claim 34, wherein the player terminals at a given
location are arranged to thereby inhibit collusion among players
using the player terminals at the given location while engaged in a
common game.
Description
BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION
[0001] Embodiments of the invention relate generally to gaming
systems. More specifically, embodiments of the invention relate to
systems and methods for providing interactive gaming among a
plurality of players.
[0002] The popularity of gambling generally and poker specifically
has increased at extraordinary rates. Many casinos are opening or
reopening poker rooms and Internet poker sites are popping up
regularly. New players are coming to the game daily.
[0003] There are, however, several impediments to new players
joining the ranks of poker players. First, with respect to Internet
poker, the legality of Internet poker has not been tested, despite
its ever-increasing popularity. Many people simply do not what to
risk the possibility of running afoul of the law. Second, many
people are simply not comfortable interacting with off-shore
enterprises, which is where Internet poker sites are located to
avoid the reach of US laws. In order to play at these sites,
players must deposit money, which is not immediately accessible by
the player. Many people do not trust off shore sites to hold their
money. Third, creating an account at an Internet poker sites
requires a potential player to divulge personal information that
many people simply do not wish to share. No one knows the limits of
how the information will be used. Further, some people prefer
anonymity, which is simply not possible with known Internet poker
sites. Hence, for at least these reasons, many people are not
becoming poker players through Internet poker opportunities who
otherwise would.
[0004] Casino poker provides its own impediments to new players.
For example, the process of getting on a list to play, getting into
a game, and interacting with the many characters you will find in a
poker room often intimidates new players to the point of
disinterest.
[0005] For at least the foregoing reasons, improved systems and
methods are needed for providing interactive gaming opportunities
to players.
BRIEF SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION
[0006] Embodiments of the invention provide a system for
interactive gaming among a plurality of players. The system
includes a host computer system and a plurality of player terminals
communicably coupled to the host computer system via a network. The
plurality of player terminals are located at a plurality of
licensed gaming locations. The plurality of player terminals are
configured to engage the plurality of players in a common
interactive game operated by the host computer system. The
plurality of player terminals include means for dispensing player
winnings from the player terminal.
[0007] In some embodiments, the interactive game may be poker. The
host computer system may be located at a location different from
any of the plurality of player terminals. Each player terminal may
include means for receiving player deposits. The means for
receiving player deposits may include a bill accepter. One or more
of the plurality of player terminals may include means for
receiving a user input to view hole cards dealt to the user in the
course of the interactive game. The hole cards otherwise may not be
viewable at the terminal. The host computer system may include
means for monitoring actions taken by one or more of the plurality
of players to thereby detect collusion among the players. The host
computer system may include means for tracking one or more jackpots
payable by an operator of one of the plurality of licensed gaming
locations. The at least one of the one or more jackpots may include
a high hand jackpot for making a specific hand. The at least one of
the plurality of player terminals may include means for displaying
at least one of the one or more jackpots payable by an operator of
the host computer system. The host computer system may include
means for tracking one or more jackpots payable by an operator of
the host computer system. At least one of the one or more jackpots
may include a bad beat jackpot for having a hand with a value at or
above a specific value beaten by a hand with a value at or above a
different specific value. At least one of the plurality of player
terminals may include means for displaying at least one of the one
or more jackpots payable by an operator of the host computer
system. The host computer system may include means for tracking a
players play to thereby reward the player for player loyalty. The
player terminals at a given location may be arranged to thereby
inhibit collusion among players using the player terminals at the
given location while engaged in a common game.
[0008] In other embodiments, a system for interactive gaming among
a plurality of players includes a host computer system and a
plurality of player terminals communicably coupled to the host
computer system via a network. The plurality of player terminals
are located at a plurality of licensed gaming locations. The
plurality of player terminals are configured to anonymously engage
the plurality of players in a common interactive game operated by
the host computer system.
[0009] In still other embodiments a method of operating an
interactive game among a plurality of players includes initiating a
game session at a host computer system. The method also includes
joining the plurality of players to the game session via a network.
The players are operating player terminals located at a plurality
of licensed gaming locations. At least one of the plurality of
players is joined to the game without creating a user account
relating to the interactive game. The method also includes
initiating the game and, from the host computer system, sending
signals relating to the state of the game to the player terminals.
The method further includes, at a host computer system, iteratively
receiving signals from the player terminals. The signals indicate
player actions in the game. The method further includes, at the
conclusion of the game, awarding value to a winning player.
[0010] In some embodiments the method includes dispensing player
winnings to one of the players from the player's player terminal.
The interactive game may be poker. The host computer system may be
located at a location different from any of the plurality of player
terminals. The method may include receiving a deposit from a player
at one of the player terminals. Receiving a deposit from a player
at one of the player terminals may include receiving a deposit from
a player via a bill accepter. The method may further include, at a
player terminal, receiving a user input to view hole cards dealt to
the user in the course of the interactive game. The hole cards
otherwise may not be viewable at the terminal. The method also may
include monitoring actions taken by one or more of the plurality of
players to thereby detect collusion among the players. The method
also may include tracking one or more jackpots payable by an
operator of one of the plurality of licensed gaming locations. At
least one of the one or more jackpots may be a high hand jackpot
for making a specific hand. The method may include, at a player
terminal, displaying at least one of the one or more jackpots
payable by an operator of the host computer system. The method may
include tracking one or more jackpots payable by an operator of the
host computer system. At least one of the one or more jackpots may
be a bad beat jackpot for having a hand with a value at or above a
specific value beaten by a hand with a value at or above a
different specific value. The method also may include, at a player
terminal, displaying at least one of the one or more jackpots
payable by an operator of the host computer system. The method may
include tracking a player's play to thereby reward the player for
player loyalty. The method may include arranging terminals at a
given location to thereby inhibit collusion among players using the
player terminals at the given location while engaged in a common
game. The method may include inhibiting collusion among players
using the player terminals at the given location while engaged in a
common game by prohibiting a player from joining a specific game
session at a terminal proximate a player terminal of another player
engaged in the specific game session.
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS
[0011] A further understanding of the nature and advantages of the
present invention may be realized by reference to the remaining
portions of the specification and the drawings wherein like
reference numerals are used throughout the several drawings to
refer to similar components. Further, various components of the
same type may be distinguished by following the reference label by
a dash and a second label that distinguishes among the similar
components. If only the first reference label is used in the
specification, the description is applicable to any one of the
similar components having the same first reference label
irrespective of the second reference label.
[0012] FIG. 1 illustrates an exemplary interactive gaming system
according to embodiments of the invention.
[0013] FIG. 2 illustrates graphically one example of how funds flow
in an interactive gaming system, such as the system of FIG. 1,
according to embodiments of the invention.
[0014] FIG. 3 illustrates an exemplary processing environment for
an interactive gaming system according to embodiments of the
invention.
[0015] FIG. 4 illustrates an exemplary player terminal according to
embodiments of the invention.
[0016] FIG. 5 illustrates an exemplary method according to
embodiments of the invention.
DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION
[0017] Embodiments of the present invention provide networked,
interactive gaming. According to embodiments of the invention,
players may engage in interactive games such as poker, blackjack,
and the like, via a network. "Networked" gaming allows players to
participate from different locations, although in some embodiments,
players may play from a common location via a local network. The
game, however, is typically administered by a processor separate
from a player's terminal. By allowing participation from a large
number of locations simultaneously, the quality and variety of the
gaming opportunity is enhanced through increased demand.
"Interactive games," unlike, for example, slots, require at least
one player decision after the game has begun. With respect to
poker, for example, a player must decide whether to bet, raise,
call, or fold after having seen his cards and the action of other
players. With respect to blackjack, a player must decide whether to
hit, stand, split, double down, or surrender after having seen his
cards and the dealer's up card. Other games have similar actions
during the progress of the game, which contrasts with slot machines
in which players merely decide to initiate a game, after which no
player decision is made until the conclusion of the game. In other
words, no intermediate decisions are made in non-interactive
games.
[0018] Embodiments of the invention also provide players the
opportunity to participate in networked gaming anonymously. Unlike,
for example, Internet poker, in which a player must disclose at
least some personal information to create a player account,
embodiments of the present invention allow players to enter a game
without disclosing any personal information. While some embodiments
provide loyalty programs to encourage longer sessions, return
customers, and the like, players are not required to participate in
loyalty programs. Players may simple deposit funds into a player
terminal and enter a game. Hence, no disclosure of personal
information is required to participate in games according to
embodiments of the present invention.
[0019] Further, according to embodiments of the present invention,
player terminals are located at licensed gaming locations. This
also contrasts with Internet poker and the like, wherein player
terminals (e.g., personal computers) may be located anywhere.
Hence, according to embodiments of the invention, a player may
engage in these games without fear of running afoul of gambling
laws. While locations may include casinos, restaurants, bars, race
tracks, hotels (including individual hotel rooms), and the like,
players are secure in the fact that the location is authorized to
provide the gaming opportunity.
[0020] Further still, in some embodiments, efforts are made to
protect players from unsavory activities that have prevented the
emergence of such gaming opportunities heretofore. For example,
collusion and other forms of cheating are addressed through player
terminal placement, privacy features, electronic monitoring, and/or
the like. Hence, players are provided an enhanced gaming
opportunity, even with respect to "live" games in which cheating is
often hard to detect, since a casino does not see every player's
hole cards, players are able to "mark" cards since the cards are
physically handled, and colluding players can use sophisticated
forms of signaling that go unnoticed by the dealer, floor
personnel, or the "eye in the sky."
[0021] Players also may compete for enhanced prizes over and above
the current "pot." For example, in poker, players may be given
bonus jackpots for hitting a certain, usually rare, hand (e.g., a
Royal Flush). Also, players may receive a "consolation prize" in
the form of a "bad beat" jackpot (e.g., having an aces full house
beaten by four of a kind or better). These jackpots may be
progressive and could grow to be much more valuable than the
contested pot. In blackjack, players can receive bonuses for
hitting, for example, an ace and jack of spades blackjack. These
and other features and enhancements will be described more fully in
the ensuing detailed description.
[0022] Attention is directed to FIG. 1, which illustrates an
exemplary gaming network 100 according to embodiments of the
invention. The gaming network 100 includes a host computer system
102 and a communications network 104 through which a plurality of
gaming locations 106 communicate with the host computer system. It
should be appreciated that the gaming network 100 is merely
exemplary of a number of possible gaming network configurations
according to embodiments of the present invention. Further,
although the ensuing description will relate to a poker gaming
network, this is not a requirement. Embodiments of the present
invention may relate to many other types and varieties of
games.
[0023] This exemplary host computer system 102 includes an internal
network 108, a web server 110, a game server 112, a game storage
arrangement 114, a player storage arrangement 116, and an
administrator computing device 118. In this specific embodiment,
the various components of the host computer system 102 are
co-located; in other embodiments, the components may be distributed
geographically. As those skilled in the art will appreciate, other
exemplary host computer systems according to embodiments of the
invention may include different components than those illustrated
and described herein.
[0024] Each gaming location 106 may include a local server 120 and
one or more player terminals 122. In some embodiments, the local
server 120 may simply facilitate communication between the player
terminals 122 and the host computer system 102. In other
embodiments, the local server 120 administers the games, tracks
players for loyalty purposes, manages player deposits, and/or the
like.
[0025] The various servers, networks, computing devices, and
storage arrangements may be any of a variety of well known devices.
For example, in some embodiments, the communication network 104 is
the Internet, the servers 110, 112, 120 are standard products
offered, for example, by Dell Corp., the storage arrangements 114,
116 are typical optical, magnetic, solid state, or similar mass
storage devices, and the administrator computing device 118 is a
typical desktop computer. The player terminals 122 will be
described in greater detail below.
[0026] According to embodiments of the invention, the gaming
locations 106 are licensed gaming locations such as casinos, race
tracks, or the like. In some embodiments, the gaming locations 106
are gas stations, hotels, stores, airports, or other locations at
which gaming is legal. The gaming locations 106 specifically
exclude residences or other locations where gaming is not
legal.
[0027] It is important to note that the gaming locations need not
be attended. Players are able to enter and exit games, depositing
and receiving money, interacting with the player's terminal, and
the like, without the assistance of an attendant at the gaming
location.
[0028] The player terminals 122 at the gaming locations 106 may be
in wired or wireless communication with the local server 120. It
should be appreciated that the terminals may be wirelessly
connected directly to the host computer system 102 via the
communications network 104. Other examples are possible. In some
embodiments, hotel guests at casino/hotels may "check out" player
terminals 122 and engage in gaming from their hotel rooms. In other
embodiments, player terminals are in every room in a hotel and
players may engage in gaming using the terminals without ever
leaving their rooms.
[0029] As will be described in greater detail below, in some
embodiments players can anonymously engage in games via the gaming
network 100. That is, a player may insert cash into a terminal,
select a game, and begin playing without creating a user account.
This is a significant difference between embodiments of the present
invention and previously-known gaming networks such as Internet
poker in which players must create user accounts.
[0030] As will be described in greater detail hereinafter, players
may engage in interactive games from any location. For example,
players at terminal 122-21 and 122-25 from gaming location 106-2
may be involved in the same poker game as players using terminals
122-53 and 122-56 from the gaming location 106-5. The host computer
system 102 administers the game, distributing information about the
action of the game to appropriate player terminals. Cards are dealt
to players in the game, although players are only able to view
their own cards and any community cards. Betting proceeds from one
player to the next, and the host computer system 102 informs each
player of the action prior to his turn.
[0031] Of course, all players in a particular game may be playing
from the same location. The players may be playing next to one
another at a common bank of machines or they may be distributed
throughout the gaming location (e.g., some in their hotel rooms,
some on one floor of a casino, and the reminder on another floor of
the casino). Many examples are possible.
[0032] It is important to note, however, that gaming locations and
the gaming network operator may take special steps to ensure
players are not the victim of collusion or other forms of cheating.
For example, if two players playing from the same location are
within eye sight of each other's terminals, then they may be able
to see each other's hole cards or signal each other their holding.
This form of collusion provides these players with a significant
advantage over other players in the game. Similarly, an individual
player may be the innocent victim of another player who can see his
hole cards without his knowledge. Hence, the gaming location may
employ any of a number of measures to prevent such cheating.
[0033] In some embodiments, when a player enters a game from a
specific terminal at a gaming location, other terminals within
proximity (e.g., three rows of machines, 100 feet, the same floor
of the casino, etc.) of the player's terminal may be locked out of
the game the player entered. Of course, nothing would prevent two
players seated at terminals next to one another from playing in
different games. Similarly, wireless terminals may have features
that allow them to know when they are in proximity of one another
and perform similar lockouts.
[0034] With respect to an individual player who has another player
looking over his shoulder to see his hole cards, player terminals
may have a "hole card reveal" button or the like that allows
players to quickly view their hole cards, whereas the cards are
otherwise "face down" on the terminal display. While not a
guarantee that other players cannot see his cards, a player using
such a feature is better able to protect his hand. Shielding on the
terminal and/or smaller displays or other features may be used to
enhance a player's ability to protect his hand.
[0035] Despite all efforts to minimize cheating through visual
means, players may nevertheless collude by talking to one another
via cell phones or the like. Such collusion may be dealt with in
any of a variety of ways. For example, player terminals or the
gaming location in general may employ electronic countermeasures
that disrupt cell phone signals. More likely, however, the gaming
network operator may employ collusion detection software that
monitors player action. Since the host computer system 102 knows
all players' cards, unusual action by a player may trigger a flag,
after which the player's action is given higher scrutiny. Players
suspected of colluding may be immediately barred from a game and
their deposits held pending resolution.
[0036] Having generally described a gaming network 100 according to
embodiments of the invention, attention is directed to FIG. 2,
which provides greater detail relating to the flow of funds in such
a network. According to this example, players 202 engage in gaming
using player terminals 204. The players 202 may insert value (e.g.,
cash, points, credits, etc.) into the terminals 204 to thereby
engage in the games offered by the terminal. When a player 202-1 is
ready to cash out of a game, the terminal 204-1 is configured to
dispense value back to the player 202.
[0037] Excess value travels from the player terminals 204 to a
local depository 206 and/or vice versa. In some cases, the value
moves electronically, for example, if the value is measured in
points or credits. In others cases, e.g., if the value is in the
form of paper currency and/or coin, value is physically moved from
the local depository 206 to the player terminals 204 ("terminal
fills") and vice versa. Occasionally, player cash outs are handled
from the local depository 206 directly to the player. In one such
example, a player 202-5 is due a higher cash out than the terminal
204-5 can provide. The player 202-5 may have experienced an
exceptional winning session, the gaming location may require the
player 202-5 to complete tax forms for IRS reporting, the player
202-5 may have won a specialty jackpot that is paid from the local
depository 206, the player terminal 204-5 may be configured to only
print "tickets" which players 202 redeem for cash at a cashier's
cage, and/or the like. Many such examples exist.
[0038] In some examples, value is paid from a local depository 206
to a central depository 208 and vice versa. As in the
immediately-previous discussion, the central depository 208 may
occasionally pay value directly to a player 202-1.
[0039] In a specific embodiment, the local depository 206 is a
licensed gaming location and the central depository 208 is the
operator of the gaming network 100. The operator enlists the gaming
location to house terminals in return for a portion of the revenue
generated by the network. The compensation to the gaming location
may be in proportion to the revenues generated at the gaming
location. For example, if the gaming network operator provides
interactive poker, each contested pot may be "raked" a certain
percentage (e.g., 3% to a maximum of $4). Hence, the winning
player's pot may be light a $4 rake. The gaming locations from
which the players are engaged in the game may keep $2 of the $4,
while the remainder is remitted to the operator. Because players
may engage in the same poker game from different locations,
occasional revenue balancing may be required to compensate gaming
locations at which players have winnings in excess of deposits.
Likewise, locations at which players lose more over a period of
time provide the excess to the operator for distribution to the
locations with the higher wins.
[0040] Individual gaming locations and/or the operator of the
gaming network may offer promotions to increase player interest.
For example, as will be described in greater detail hereinafter,
gaming locations may offer "high hand" jackpots. Such jackpots are
paid to players for making particular high hands such as four aces,
a royal flush, or the like. The jackpot may be reset to a starting
value (e.g., $100 for four aces) and increase in proportion to
revenues at the gaming locations until the high hand is again hit.
Different gaming locations may have different high hand jackpot
amounts. In fact, the high hand may be game specific. I.e., there
may be one high hand jackpot for four aces in all Texas Hold'em
games and a different four aces high hand jackpot for 7-card Stud
games. Jackpots also may be specific to various game limits. High
hand jackpots may be paid to players directly from the local
depository 206.
[0041] The gaming network operator also may offer specialty
jackpots, such as "bad beat" jackpots, in which players who have a
high value hand beaten may share (e.g., four-of-a-kind beaten by a
higher hand). As with the high hand jackpots, bad beat jackpots may
reset to a nominal value after being hit and increase as a function
of revenue. The revenue base for a bad beat jackpot offered by the
gaming network operator may be substantially larger than the
revenue base for locally-offered high hand jackpots, in which case
the bad beat jackpot may grow at a faster rate. As with the high
hand jackpots, bad beat jackpots may be game and limit
specific.
[0042] Of course, the preceding discussion should not be understood
to limit bad beat jackpots to being offered by the gaming network
operator or high hand jackpots to being offered by the local gaming
location. Further, other types and varieties of jackpots may be
offered at any level of the network.
[0043] Attention is directed to FIG. 3, which illustrates an
exemplary functional diagram 300 of the host computer system 102.
The functional diagram 300 depicts several program modules as well
as basic computer functions. For example, the I/O module 302
handles input to and output from a processing environment and/or
the communications network 104. The graphics module 304 provides
control over the graphics displayed on player terminals and/or
administrative computers. The terminal control module 306 provides
the capability of the host computer system 102 to interact with
and/or control a player terminal. The game storage arrangement 308
houses software or other computer-executable code that controls the
games offered.
[0044] A number of processing environments are also included in
some embodiments. For example, a game processor 310 controls one or
more interactive games using the computer-executable code from the
game storage arrangement 308. A tournament processor 312 performs a
similar function for player tournaments. A loyalty tracker 314
keeps up with the play of registered players to thereby reward
players for the amount of time they spend playing. An accounting
processor 316 controls the flow of money and/or other forms of
value within the network. A collusion detection processor 318
monitors such things as unusual action taken by a specific player,
frequent occurrences of the same players playing together in the
same games, and the like. A software test environment 320 allows
new games and/or processes to be tested in an environment that does
not affect ongoing operations. A waiting list queue 322 allows
players to wait in line for a specific game or table.
[0045] Those skilled in the art will appreciate that this is but
one of many possible exemplary functional diagrams for a gaming
network according to embodiments of the invention.
[0046] FIG. 4 illustrates an exemplary player terminal 400
according to embodiments of the invention. Only the most relevant
aspects of the user interface portion of the player terminal 400
are illustrated and described here. It should be apparent that the
user interface may be part of a hand-held player terminal, a free
standing player terminal, a computing device configured as a player
terminal, a "set-top" gaming console, and/or the like. Further, it
is not necessary for all elements of the player terminal
illustrated and described here to be included in the player
terminal.
[0047] The terminal includes a jackpot payout information area 402,
a game display area 404, a player interaction area 406, and a cash
and credit interaction area 408. The jackpot payout information
area 402 includes information about the status of jackpot
accumulations. The amounts associated with the various jackpots may
increase with time and may be game specific. For example, if the
player terminal provides the possibility to engage in different
types of games and limits, then the jackpot amounts displayed in
the jackpot information area may change with different player game
selections.
[0048] The game display area 404 provides a visual depiction of the
game in which the player is involved. For example, the game display
area 404 may show a poker table 410 and players 412 sitting around
the table. As players are dealt cards, the cards may appear in
front of each player. As players bet, chips may be displayed in
front of the players. At the end of each betting round, the chips
from the round may be scooped into the middle of the table to
symbolize the pot for which the players are competing. As the
action proceeds around the table, the next player to act may be
highlighted and that player's terminal may beep, or otherwise alert
the player that it is his turn to act. Community cards may appear
on the table for all players to see. At the conclusion of the hand,
the pot may be pushed to the winning player as the hole cards of
all players still in the hand are revealed. Each player's present
bankroll may be graphically or numerically displayed so that all
players know how much each player has available to wager.
[0049] The game display area 404 may be where players look to view
their hole cards. A player's hole cards may be continuously
displayed. In some embodiments, however, steps are taken to help
ensure a player's hole cards remain hidden from other players
potentially playing at nearby terminals to thereby prevent
cheating. In some embodiments, a button is included (e.g., the
enter button 432) that causes the hole cards to be revealed. If the
button is not depressed, then the hold cards are simply shown as
face down. This way, players can quickly glance at their cards
thereby reducing the risk that someone else can view their hole
cards. In other embodiments, hold cards may be displayed on a
separate display screen. In either case, shielding, glass coatings,
polarization screens, and/or the like may be employed to prevent
others from viewing a player's hole cards.
[0050] The player interaction area 406 includes player buttons,
input devices, and the like through which players interact with the
game. It should be appreciated that the player interaction area 406
may comprise touch screen buttons on the game display area 404.
Hence, it should be understood that this embodiment is merely
exemplary of a number of possible embodiments as will be
appreciated by those skilled in the art.
[0051] The player interaction area 406 in this embodiment includes
discard buttons 420 for draw games (e.g., 5-card draw, 2-7 triple
draw lowball, etc.). Players use these buttons to identify cards to
be discarded in a drawing round. The player interaction area 406
also includes a bet button 422, a raise button 424, a fold button
426, a call button 427, and a check button 428. These buttons are
used to take the appropriate action according to each button's
name. In some embodiments, additional input buttons and devices are
included. For example a track ball 430 may be included for
indicating how much a player wants to bet in unstructured games. It
also may be used to select from several choices displayed on the
display screen 404. It may be used in combination with the enter
button 432 to confirm a selection. A cash out button 434 allows a
player to leave a game with the value the player has presently
accumulated. Those skilled in the art will appreciate many other
possibilities in light of this disclosure.
[0052] The cash and credit interaction area 408 provides a loyalty
card accepter 440, a bill or ticket accepter/dispenser 442, and a
coin dispenser 444. These items work in ways similar to analogous
devices on, for example, video poker machines, except that the
player terminal sends signals to the host computer system in
response to player actions taken with respect to cashing in and
out.
[0053] Those skilled in the art will appreciate that the foregoing
description is merely exemplary of a number of possible player
terminal embodiments. For example, other embodiments may include
all touch screen controls, may only accept bills and dispense
tickets, may not include jackpot values, and the like. Most
embodiments, however, minimally include a display area through
which the action is depicted and which may include player input
buttons that change depending on the state of the game. It should
also be appreciated that the display region may show display
screens that allow players to select games and limits, enter
personal information, if desired, and advertise promotions and the
like when the terminal is not in use. Many other possibilities
exist and are apparent to those skilled in the art in light of this
disclosure.
[0054] An exemplary method 500 according to embodiments of the
invention is illustrated in FIG. 5. The method may be implemented
in the system 100 of FIG. 1 or other appropriate system. Those
skilled in the art will appreciate that other exemplary embodiments
may include more, fewer, or different steps than those illustrated
and described here. Further, other exemplary embodiments may
traverse the steps in different orders than shown here.
[0055] The method 500 begins at block 502 at which a host computer
system, such as the host computer system 102, initiates a game
session. A game session, is, for example, a poker game among
several players. The game session consists of one or more hands of
poker in which players compete against one another for the pot. The
game session could be a series of blackjack hands in which one or
more players compete against the house as is known in the art. The
game session also could be a series of hands of other games such as
gin rummy, bridge, and the like.
[0056] In some embodiments, initiating a game session comprises
making a selection available on one or more player terminals. The
selection allows players at the player terminals to enter the game
session. Any number of game sessions could be available at any
given time for players to enter. The games may comprise a variety
of games (Texas Hold'em, 7-Card Stud, Omaha, Draw poker, 2-7
lowball, Blackjack, Bridge, etc.) and a variety of limits
($0.25/$0.50, $1/$2, $1/$2 Blind No Limit, $10/$20, $500/$1000,
etc.). In some embodiments the game session is a tournament, which
may be a single-table tournament or a multi-table tournament.
[0057] At block 504, players are joined to the game session. This
may comprise receiving a signal from a player terminal that the
player desired to enter the game and has deposited sufficient funds
to enter the game. The player is assigned to a seat (or is allowed
to select a seat) at a virtual table, which may be displayed as
shown in FIG. 4. The player's bankroll (i.e., the player's stake in
the game) may be depicted at the virtual table.
[0058] In some embodiments, players may be provided with an option
to change their perspective of the virtual table. For example, a
player may desire to "sit" at the bottom of the table in the seat
identified as 412-5 in FIG. 4. If the player is seated in a
different seat, the player may elect to "rotate" the perspective of
the table so that the player is depicted in the desired position.
This does not change the player's position at the table with
respect to the other players; it merely changes the player's
perspective for display purposes. This option may be useful in
reducing cheating, since the player may relocate his position at
the table to a position that obstructs the view of a potential
cheater located near the player's terminal. Of course, a player my
elect to take a different seat at the table in some
embodiments.
[0059] In some embodiments, players are randomly assigned to a game
session. While a player may identify the game and limit the player
wants to play, the table to which the player is assigned is not up
to the player. This minimizes the chance that a group of colluding
players are able to sit at the same table. Of course, a player can
always request a table change or leave the game entirely.
[0060] In some embodiments, players enter a waiting list for
certain games and limits. If, for example, all the seats at a
desired table are taken, a player may request to be placed on a
list for that game. Players may enter waiting lists for specific
games and/or limits. When a seat opens in a game session that
corresponds to the list in which a player is waiting at the top of
the list, the player is given the opportunity to enter the game
session.
[0061] As described previously, collusion or other forms of
cheating may be addressed by prohibiting players from engaging in
the same game session from locations proximate one another. For
example, if a casino has a plurality of player terminals
distributed throughout the casino, then players may be prevented
from joining the same game session from neighboring terminals.
After a player joins a game session from a specific terminal,
nearby terminals are "locked out" of that game session. The same
process may be followed at all locations. If players are playing
from wireless terminals, the wireless terminals may have proximity
detection features that perform a similar function of locking out
nearby terminals. Many other possibilities exist.
[0062] Once a sufficient number of players are joined to a game
session, a game, or hand, is initiated at block 506. If, for
example, the game is Texas Hold'em Poker, two cards are dealt to
each player in the hand.
[0063] At block 508, the game proceeds as is known in the art, with
the host computer system sending signals to each player terminal
indicating the state of the game. The player terminals provide a
visual representation of the game state, and a player whose turn it
is to act is provided with a set of options. Hence, play continues
at block 510 with the host computer system receiving signals
indicating a player's action. The actions of blocks 508 and 510
continue with players interactively checking, betting, raising,
calling, or folding and the host computer system updating the state
of the game by sending signals to the player terminals. If the game
limits are fixed, players merely need to indicate their selection
for the action to proceed. If, however, the game is "no limit,"
"pot limit," or another non-structured betting limit, then players
also indicate the size of each bet.
[0064] At block 512, a winner is determined and the value of the
pot is awarded to the winning player. A new game may then be
initiated at block 506. Since players are able to enter and leave
game sessions at any time, new players may be joined at block 504
to replace any players that leave the game session. While the
foregoing description focused on poker being played in the game
session, those skilled in the art will appreciate that other forms
of poker and other interactive games may be played according to
other embodiments of the invention.
[0065] Having described several embodiments, it will be recognized
by those of skill in the art that various modifications,
alternative constructions, and equivalents may be used without
departing from the spirit of the invention. Additionally, a number
of well known processes and elements have not been described in
order to avoid unnecessarily obscuring the present invention.
Accordingly, the above description should not be taken as limiting
the scope of the invention, which is defined in the following
claims.
* * * * *